The Beginning of
Conflict
 Human
beings have been in conflict since the very beginning of history. Conflict is
defined as an irreconcilable contention between two or more
parties. Human history is really that of conflict. War can be traced back to the advent of
civilization. The
Neolithic
Revolution brought the
domestication of plants and animals resulting
in food surpluses. Early conflicts were a contest to control
the most and best resources. Bronowski, in his book The Ascent of Man, refers to war
as nothing more than "an organized effort at theft." Conflict
through the ages has shaped us into what and who we are today.
The
focus of this site will be on the historical conflicts that have directly shaped the modern world.
Themes such as transition periods, political
ideologies, religious differences, and ethnic and
social factors will be examined. Conflict does not only
consist of clashes between people, but can also include ideological differences between
religions, ethnicities, and political groups. Conflict can
also mean the disparity between
social classes; the "haves" and
the "have-nots."
Generally, conflict can mean any drastic change where large groups
of people are willing to resist.
 Typically, human conflicts and
struggles are complex and extremely multifaceted. The causes
of various conflicts can be similar while the effects can be vastly
different and vice-versa.
This site is designed to aid students in reviewing the various
conflicts which have shaped human history. This site should be
used in preparation for the New York State Regents Exam in Global
History and Geography. In addition, students may test their
knowledge of the material presented here by accessing
multiple-choice questions from past Regents Exams. |
